Feros Care among 13 aged care providers selected to deliver regional assessment services

Feros Care is among 13 aged care providers across the country who will deliver regional assessment services (RAS), as part of the Federal Government’s reforms to make it easier for seniors to access services.

The aged care reforms – which will be implemented from 1 July – will create a one-stop information and entry point, known as the ‘My Aged Care Gateway’. The My Aged Care Gateway is a national call centre for seniors, carers, assessors and providers to access the system.

After contacting the My Aged Care Gateway, people requiring basic levels of support, or short periods of intensive services, will be referred to one of 13 RAS providers who will do face-to-face interviews with people to identify what care and support services they need to continue living in their own homes. The RAS home support assessors will work with seniors to develop creative, wellness-based support plans, as well as linking and referring seniors to service providers.

Feros Care Chief Executive Officer, Ms Jennene Buckley said the organisation was both excited and humbled to be among the 13 of service providers to be entrusted in pioneering these new assessment services for older people.

“Seniors are the big winners in these reforms because the new My Aged Care Gateway will provide a standardised national approach to getting an assessment, registering for services, and finding the most appropriate care and support for their individual needs.

“The reforms will deliver a more streamlined and simple aged care system for seniors, who are at a stage in their lives where they are wanting help and are often feeling vulnerable.”

She said the introduction will mean that people only need to make a single phone call to the My Aged Care Gateway before being referred to a skilled RAS home support assessor.

“Being part of the regional assessment service is a wonderful opportunity for Feros Care to support many more older people to create the supports they need to continue to remain healthy, active, connected and living at home for as long as possible. Feros Care has a passion for wellness, ageing well and living life to the fullest, and hope to support seniors with modern and creative solutions to reach their life goals.

“I applaud the Government on taking the bold steps to roll out changes that will transform the aged care system. They have stuck to their rollout timeframes, and while it has been a very big two years for all stakeholders, the outcome will be a more modern, sustainable and client driven approach to age care.

“Feros Care has been an active participant in the reform process, and has provided feedback to the government to help shape the way our aged care system will look in future.

“Feros Care has always been an early adopter, included pioneering new models such as our Byron Model of Care, our leadership in the use of smart technologies and the various wellness, restorative care and ageing well initiatives,” Ms Buckley said.

Feros Care has been pre-approved to deliver assessment services in 33 regions across NSW, QLD, Tasmania, ACT and SA. However, in its first year, Feros Care will provide assessment services in 15 regions in NSW and QLD.

About Feros Care

Feros Care is a community owned, not for profit organisation offering quality lifestyle support for older Australians since 1990. Feros Care’s mission is to be a strong ambassador and partner in the lives of seniors, with a focus on creating a range of lifestyle options that support independence, social connectedness and healthy ageing. We offer industry leading services in At Home care, Residential care, Telehealthcare, Case Management and Health & Wellness.
Feros Care Media and Marketing Director Lisa Murray. www.feroscare.com.au